Grand Banks buys boatyard in Florida

The 12,000-square-foot facility, to be named Stuart Yacht Basin, includes covered storage, a fully operational service division, a 50-ton Travelift and dock space. It will serve as the company’s U.S. headquarters and will be managed by Grand Banks America COO Hank Compton, who has managed factory operations at the company for 14 years. He also has managed sales and sales development in Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

Grand Banks America COO Hank Compton

“We’ll organize new boat commissioning out of the yard for our new Grand Banks, Palm Beach, and Eastbays, while also offering a complete array of yacht services for all of our owners and for all yachts,” Compton stated in a company news release.

Stuart Yard, operated by Gregg and Nancy Burdick since 1974, at one time included a boatbuilding operation. Grand Banks Yachts said it will continue an association with the Burdicks and the yard’s current staff. In addition to offering commissioning and maintenance services, the company will use the facility to host private events and showcase new yachts in its Grand Banks, Eastbay and Palm Beach lines.